Chinese Dogwood Tree

Kousa Dogwood Tree - "Cornus kousa chinensis"

Chinese Dogwood is a tree that offers a spectacular cloud of flowers in early summer. The white star
shaped bracts show up well against the dark green foliage. In fact, they start out pale green, gradually
lightening until they are bright white when fully open.

In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful scarlet
with purplish overtones. The flowers are followed by edible red fruit about the size of ping pong balls.

This tree loves full sun and grows at a moderate rate, reaching 20 feet in height and 15 feet in width
when full grown. This tree offers year round interest.

As the tree ages, the bark flakes in a very
attractive way, creating more texture in the garden. This is most noticeable in the winter.

Landscape Ideas

Chinese Dogwood makes an excellent specimen plant. Make sure you give it room to grow to its full
potential. It will also work in a border. Plant this tree with Dwarf Nikko Deutzia or Dark Knight
Bluebeard for a nice contrast.

This tree works well near large walls or buildings in a foundation
planting. The red fruit is good to eat fresh or it can be made into wine or mead. The flavor of the
fruit is described as being similar to melon. Wild birds also are attracted to the fruit.

This tree
is large enough to make an impact, yet small enough to fit in small yards with ease. It is a tree
that gives visual interest all year long.

Planting And Care Tips

Chinese Dogwood likes full sun. It needs regular watering, especially during the hot periods in the
summer. Pruning should be done during the winter, but try to keep it to a minimum. The Chinese Dogwood
is more disease resistant than most American native varieties.

This tree can be propagated through root
greenwood cuttings in the summer or root hardwood cuttings in the fall. This tree may be resistant to
honey fungus, dogwood anthracnose, spot anthracnose and powdery mildew.

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